What graduates can generally do
The Graduate route gives eligible graduates time in the UK after they complete their studies. It is not tied to one employer in the way an employer-sponsored Skilled Worker visa is.
Post-Study Work Rights
The Graduate visais changing.
Eligible graduates may be able to stay in the UK after they finish. You normally apply from inside the UK, before Student permission expires, and only after the university has reported successful completion to the Home Office. How long you can stay depends on when you apply.
- Non-doctoral, applied by 31 Dec 2026
- 2 yearsNon-doctoral, applied by 31 Dec 2026
- Non-doctoral, applied from 1 Jan 2027
- 18 monthsNon-doctoral, applied from 1 Jan 2027
- PhD and other doctorates
- 3 yearsPhD and other doctorates
After you graduate
Post-study work rights
Eligible international graduates may be able to remain in the UK after successfully completing their studies, through the Graduate visa. You normally apply from inside the UK, before your Student permission expires, and only after your university has reported successful course completion to the Home Office.
How long the Graduate visa lasts
This rule is changing. The date that counts is the date you apply, not the date your course started.
Eligible non-doctoral graduates
On or before 31 December 2026
2 years
On or after 1 January 2027
18 months
PhD or other doctoral qualification
This length does not change with the 2027 date.
3 years
For students starting in 2026 or later: the shorter stay applies to Graduate visa applications made on or after 1 January 2027. A course that begins in 2026 can easily finish after that date, so the application date — not the intake — is the one to plan around.
Can it be extended?
The Graduate visa itself cannot be extended. A graduate may instead qualify to switch into another category, such as the Skilled Worker route, if they meet that route's requirements.
Work during your studies
This is separate from post-study work. The limit is on your own immigration permission — check that, not a general guide, before you take a job.
20 hrs / week
Degree level or above, during term time
A full-time course at degree level or above, with an eligible higher education sponsor. Full-time work is normally allowed outside term time.
10 hrs / week
Some below-degree courses, during term time
Eligible students on courses below degree level. Other study categories may not permit work at all.
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